Now its your turn to choose wisely: from tops to dresses, here are the top four varieties of peplums you can wrap around your waist this season.

Peplum blazers

A peplum blazer is a slick and structured way to introduce this trend to your wardrobe, especially since it’s got the advantage to be pushed into the winter wardrobe. A peplum blazer works very differently on the body, when compared to a peplum top. It gives an instant geometric shape to an ensemble when worn over a regular outfit. It’s not the peplum, however, that does the trick, but it’s the original silhouette of the blazer and jacket that gives an architectural shape to the shoulders and waist.

Peplum tops

This style is possibly the most versatile way to incorporate a peplum in the wardrobe. While you could style a peplum top with various bottoms, wearing it with a pencil skirt would work cleverly to camouflage the appearance of a slight stomach bulge (if it exists, that is). You wouldn’t have to hold your stomach in, as a peplum would sit just over the top of your high-waisted skirt.

However, if you’re wearing a peplum top with pants or shorts girlies, you can draw attention away from the waist by looking for pieces where the peplum starts from above your belly button. Low-sitting peplums emphasise the waist and direct the entire silhouette of the mid-section.

Peplum dresses

For this style, be aware of the kind of peplum you choose on the dress. The potential problem with a peplum dress is that it sits on a very close line for being mistaken for a frilly decorative drapery seen on curtains and bed sheets. A peplum dress must be structured, streamlined and flattering to your body type. If the peplum is too large or ambitious in its shape, it can look too costumey and comical.

Subtle accents of fabric on either sides of the waist also qualify for being a variation in the peplum dress.

Remember the rule of thumb: don’t look for obviously structured peplum dresses that would cut your body in two horizontal halves. Slight drapes, overlapping and tapering of fabrics around the waist are also cousins of the peplum family.

Peplum skirts

The peplum skirt creates the illusion of perfect symmetry on the body. The fabric overlaying the hips makes them seem proportionate to the shoulders. Let the peplum skirt take centre stage in your wardrobe by styling it with a plain singlet.

Be mindful, once again, of your body type when picking this style for the coming season. If you have a larger bottom, a peplum skirt wouldn’t be a wise choice for you and you should opt for the peplum top instead.